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Is the modification of the human genome ethical? Is sustainable consumption at a low price possible? Are food intolerances just a passing trend? Professor of psychology Bertolt Meyer discusses controversial issues with specialists.
2023
The world of work is undergoing a major upheaval. A study by the World Economic Forum reveals that as early as 2025, more tasks will be performed by robots and artificial intelligence than by human beings. This could potentially result in the elimination of millions of jobs.
Is it possible to modify our genes? Science has made major advancements, such as human DNA sequencing and the CRISPR/Cas9 techniques. While it has become possible to cure genetic diseases and preventively treat predispositions to certain pathologies, these innovations are not without risks and are likely to be misused.
Food intolerances are currently a hot topic - evident from the fully stocked shelves of so-called substitute products in supermarkets. Lactose, fructose, and gluten have become taboo for many consumers. Are these substances truly so intolerable, and are the respective alternative foods actually healthier?
Hydrogen is touted as the solution to move away from gas and oil. This promoted alternative, touted as a sustainable energy source, is making headlines as it can be used to power buses and heating systems. But where will all this hydrogen come from? And how environmentally friendly is this solution?
Making chocolate for one euro, eco-friendly jeans at rock-bottom prices, fair-trade, organic, and cheap coffee - discounters and fashion chains are suddenly offering customers the opportunity to save the world. Is it all just greenwashing and deception?
Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and similar platforms relay a wide range of content, information, and opinions. In countries where freedom of the press is limited, social media can play a crucial role. Berlin-based AlgorithmWatch warns that social media algorithms help fraudsters target vulnerable individuals with their malicious software.
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2025
In several European countries, hormone therapy for transgender minors is already a medical reality, but it remains highly debated in science and public discourse. While some see it as an important form of support for young people experiencing gender incongruence, others warn about early interventions, potential irreversible effects, and long-term risks. The discussion centers on how to balance medical caution, individual wellbeing, and evolving clinical evidence.
The rejection of genetically modified organisms has long been a core principle of organic agriculture, but this stance is increasingly debated. While supporters argue it preserves natural farming methods and consumer trust, critics question whether refusing modern breeding technologies could hinder sustainability and future food security. The discussion focuses on whether organic farming should adapt to scientific advances or maintain strict limits on genetic engineering.
As global energy demand continues to rise, nuclear fusion is often presented as a near-limitless source of clean power, producing minimal carbon emissions and far less radioactive waste than current nuclear technologies. However, despite its promise, major technical challenges remain, and many uncertainties persist about when or even if it will become viable on a large scale. The debate centers on whether fusion can truly deliver on its expectations or remain a long-term aspiration.
Some researchers argue that aging could be treated as a curable condition, potentially reducing or even eliminating many major diseases such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. In this view, radical life extension - even biological immortality - could become possible. Yet this idea raises profound questions about individual desire, societal impact, and planetary limits, fueling a debate over whether the pursuit of extreme longevity is a scientific breakthrough or a dangerous illusion.
From early human migration to modern car sharing, mobility has always shaped how societies function and evolve. Today, however, the future of transport is under debate: should it remain centered on individual vehicles like private cars, or shift toward more collective systems? Beyond simple movement from A to B, mobility is increasingly seen as a key social, environmental, and economic issue.
The global population has tripled over the past two centuries, raising the question of whether there is a limit to how many people the planet can sustain. Long debated among scientists and ethicists, the issue has gained renewed urgency due to rising CO2 emissions and environmental pressure. The discussion centers on whether population growth itself is the core challenge or whether consumption patterns and resource distribution are the real drivers of global crises.
Esoteric worldviews have come under renewed scrutiny, especially after instances where esoteric groups appeared alongside extremist movements in public protests. Once often seen as harmless alternative beliefs, they are now debated in a political context. The question is whether esotericism should be taken seriously as a belief system or viewed as a potential societal risk, and how far such ideas can influence public discourse and trust in science and institutions.
Rising rents and construction costs have led to severe housing shortages in major cities, while the building sector is also responsible for a significant share of global CO2 emissions. This raises a dilemma: how can affordable housing be expanded without worsening the climate crisis? The debate focuses on whether new construction should be limited or whether alternative approaches are needed to balance housing demand with environmental sustainability.
European governments are investing heavily in carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology designed to trap CO2 at its source and store it underground. Supporters see it as a key tool for reaching climate neutrality, while critics argue it may serve as a distraction that prolongs reliance on fossil fuels. The debate centers on whether CCS is a necessary part of climate strategy or a form of greenwashing that delays deeper structural change.
What was once called development aid has evolved into development cooperation, with an emphasis on transparency, participation, and equality. Yet critics question how credible these values are, pointing to historical ties with colonial structures and Cold War geopolitics, where strategic interests often shaped assistance. The debate centers on whether modern cooperation truly promotes equal partnerships or continues to reflect imbalanced global power relations.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide, raising ongoing debate about its causes and treatment. Some experts emphasize biological predispositions and the effectiveness of medication, while others highlight environmental stressors and the value of psychotherapeutic approaches. The discussion also addresses broader questions about how society understands mental illness and how different treatment strategies can best support those affected.
Migration remains one of the most divisive issues of our time, often framed around concerns about integration and so-called “parallel societies.” The term “communitarianism” is frequently used in debates about refugees and migrants, but its meaning and implications are contested. The discussion centers on whether cultural communities strengthen social cohesion through diversity or pose challenges to shared values and societal unity.
2026
Hunting remains a deeply divisive issue. For some, it is a cultural tradition and a tool for wildlife management and ecological balance; for others, it raises serious ethical concerns about violence and our relationship with living beings. While scientific research explores new approaches to managing wild animal populations, the debate continues between hunters and animal ethics experts over how nature should be preserved and regulated.
ADHD raises ongoing debate between those who see it as a condition causing real daily challenges and those who emphasize neurodiversity and the range of human cognitive differences. While some experience significant difficulties, others highlight potential strengths and different ways of thinking. The broader question remains how society should respond - through adaptation, support, or a better recognition of neurodivergent abilities.
Neuro-AI, at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, promises to enhance human cognition and repair the body. At the same time, it raises concerns about privacy, control, and the potential manipulation of thought, especially if driven by major tech companies. Experts debate the benefits of medical innovation against the risks to autonomy, data ownership, and the broader societal consequences of directly interfacing technology with the human brain.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has reignited an old debate: Does Europe need conscription in order to be war-ready? Or is compulsory military service a relic from a bygone era? Prof Dr Bertolt Meyer discusses this with Prof Patrick Sensburg and Dr Andrea Ellner who hold opposing views.
Do children need grades in order to learn, or do they actually limit their potential? Some alternative schools focus on self-directed learning, intrinsic motivation, and mentoring instead of traditional grading systems. While such approaches aim to foster engagement and independence, they also raise questions about selection, equal opportunity, and how well different school models prepare students for future academic and professional demands.
Rather than leaving the cannabis market to unscrupulous dealers, should the state legalise and regulate the drug? Some European countries have legalised cannabis while others have kept in place strict controls. Bertolt Meyer debates the merits of decriminalisation with two experts: Dr Bernd Werse and Dr. Mathias Luderer.
As the impacts of human-driven climate change intensify, geoengineering proposes radical technological interventions to modify the Earth’s systems, such as injecting aerosols into the stratosphere or altering ocean chemistry. Supporters see a potential last-resort solution to slow global warming, while critics warn of unpredictable risks and unintended consequences. The debate centers on whether such large-scale interventions are a necessary response or a dangerous experiment with the planet’s future.
Alongside climate change, biodiversity loss is one of the major ecological crises of our time, with a significant share of species now at risk of extinction despite extensive conservation efforts. While some strategies have shown results, others appear limited, raising questions about how effective current approaches really are. Scientists and experts debate whether stronger protection measures are enough or whether a deeper shift in how humans relate to nature is needed.
Parenting approaches focused on attachment and emotional responsiveness are often presented as essential for healthy child development, yet they remain highly debated. Some experts emphasize the importance of strong early bonds, while others argue that these models reflect a culturally specific ideal that may not fit all societies. The discussion also highlights how social media shapes expectations of parenting, raising the question of what children truly need to thrive.
Originally seen as tools for connection and democratic participation, social media platforms are now often criticized for spreading hate, amplifying polarization, and enabling radicalization. While they also provide unprecedented access to information and public discourse, concerns about misinformation and algorithmic manipulation remain central. Experts debate whether these platforms weaken democratic societies or can strengthen them if properly regulated and used responsibly.
For centuries, the Church has served as a moral anchor in society, but in today’s rapidly changing world its values and structures are increasingly questioned. In many countries, religious affiliation is declining, driven by scandals, shifting social norms, and debates over tradition versus reform. While some argue that the institution still provides essential ethical guidance, others call for profound transformation or even separation from modern society.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into military systems, raising the prospect of weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention. While supporters highlight potential gains in speed and precision that could reduce casualties, critics warn of profound ethical and strategic risks. The debate focuses on how close fully autonomous warfare is to becoming reality and who, in the end, should retain control over life-and-death decisions.
Bertolt Meyer
Self - Presenter
